Does it matter which parent, if filing separately, claims dependent?

8 replies
73 views

No text available

TurboTax Deluxe Online

macuser_22Answer

Alumni - Champ

If not married then you must each file as single.

You can decide who claims the child and all the benefits - they cannot be split.

Usually (but not always) the best overall tax vs. refund would be for the parent with the higher income to claim the child. Because of the graduated EIC credit, sometimes the lower income parent has an advantage.

The only way to know for sure is to prepare dummy test returns both ways for both parents and choose the way with the best overall result.

**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**

xmasbaby0

Level 15

Why are you filing separately? it is usually the worst way to file.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

SweetieJean

Alumni - Champ

Do you live apart? If so,, with whom did the child live in 2017?

koliver6969Author

Level 2

We are not married.

koliver6969Author

Level 2

We live together but are not married

koliver6969Author

Level 2

Child lives with us

macuser_22

Answer

Alumni - Champ

If not married then you must each file as single.

You can decide who claims the child and all the benefits - they cannot be split.

The only way to know for sure is to prepare dummy test returns both ways for both parents and choose the way with the best overall result.

**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**

SweetieJean

Alumni - Champ

The one who claims the child might be able to file as Head of Household. Uou must meet the following requirements:

Pay for more than half of the household expenses;
Be considered unmarried for the tax year; and
You must have a qualifying child or dependent.